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Scoring Policies for the SAT and ACT
SAT and ACT test scores are often used by schools as a predictor of college academic success. Scores also provide a common academic measure that can be used to compare all applicants. But how are these tests scored and how do colleges receive scores and evaluate them?...
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Best Books for ACT Prep: ACT Study Guide Review
Are you getting ready for your next ACT but do not know where to start? We are here to help. Many people decide to start off their ACT prep with books. We've spent over a decade working with students who need to improve their ACT scores. We've ordered thousands of...
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SAT/ACT Prep Study Options
Just the thought of studying for the SAT or ACT exam can be nerve-wracking, especially if you’re not motivated to study on your own. Fortunately, there’s more than one way to study. While self-study is an option, there’s also group study and one-on-one tutoring. Read...
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Last Minute AP Exam Tips
Students are taking their AP and IB exams over the next two weeks. In order to be eligible for college credit, students typically need to score a 3 or higher on the AP exam, which is scaled out of 5, and a 4 or higher for their IB exam, which is scaled out of 7. Here...
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What is a “Rigorous” High School Course Load?
You hear it from guidance counselors, parents, and college reps: "If you want to get into your first choice college, you have to take challenging classes." It's true, your academic strengths and abilities as a student are best illustrated through your high school...
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Is that a Good AP Exam Score?
Wouldn't it be great to earn college credit for completing an AP class? After all, you learned college-level material at a rigorous pace before graduating high school. Unfortunately, it's not that easy. Colleges only offer credit for AP classes if exam score...
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SAT Curves: What every student and parent needs to know about SAT Curves
The SAT can be overwhelming for some students and their parents. Many students and their parents are surprised to learn that there isn't a set number of questions you need to get right to get a perfect score on the SAT. In fact, the number of questions you need for a...
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ACT to SAT Conversion Chart 2018-2019: See How Your ACT and SAT Scores Compare
The ACT and SAT are both tests for college admissions that use different scoring systems. Below is a chart comparing ACT and SAT scores. This chart will help you decide what test is right for you. If you have taken both tests you can also use the chart to determine...
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5 Study Resources for the AP Exam
Advanced placement (AP) courses offer college-level learning content to high school students. Over 30 AP classes ranging from AP Microeconomics to AP Chinese Language and Culture provide college bound high school students with the opportunity to challenge themselves...
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My SAT/ACT Scores Came Back… Now What?
You did it! You made it through the painfully long four-hour SAT test (or three-hour ACT test) and just got your test scores back. Before you get too excited about never seeing another SAT or ACT question for the rest of your life, consider the two scenarios below:...
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Understanding your SAT Score Report
The SAT score report provides detailed information to help you better understand your strengths and weaknesses in terms of SAT content. It’s worth taking the time to really review your score report to help you decide if you should re-take the SAT and, if so, to guide...
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How Long Will I Have to Prep for the SAT or ACT?
One of the first questions parents and students ask is, “How long is it really going to take to raise my SAT or ACT score?” This question does not have one simple answer as there are a lot of factors. One universal truth is that the SAT and ACT are not tests that you...
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There’s an App for That: SAT/ACT Study Apps
Although there is no substitute for taking full length timed practice tests as we mentioned in our last blog post on the best SAT prep books, it isn't always feasible to carry around a 5lb study guide. With the ease and convenience of mobile applications, you can...
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Best Books for SAT Preparation: SAT Prep Book Review
We’ve been helping students improve their SAT scores for over a decade. In that time, we’ve ordered thousands of dollars’ worth of books. Now, we are sharing our insights about SAT books with you. A couple quick notes before we start. At the beginning of each...
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SAT/ACT Study Plan
Have you ever wondered if you should study for the SAT or ACT test? The answer is yes! Studying two to three hours a week, three months before taking the test can increase your SAT score by 100+ points and your ACT score by 3+ points. But before cracking open that SAT...
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SAT Tips & Tricks
It's that time of year again! SAT testing is right around the corner, and now is the time to prep. Check out these tips and tricks to make the most of your SAT prep. 1. Define a realistic target score When defining a target score consider your practice test scores,...
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The Ultimate Guide to Admissions: Virginia Colleges and Universities 2018-2019
Thank you for your interest in The Ultimate Guide to Admissions: Virginia Colleges and Universities: 2018-2019 Download the Ebook here: The Ultimate Guide to Admissions: Virginia Colleges and Universities 2018-2019 Final Ultimate Guide We will keep you posted with any...
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Change to ACT Accommodations for Extended-Time in September 2018
If your student is taking the ACT with Extended-Time Test Accommodations please make note of this important change to the ACT extended-time policy. In September, extended-time accommodations will change. Students will no longer be given a 5 hour time limit to finish...
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ACT to SAT Conversion Chart: See How Your ACT and SAT Scores Compare
To see the 2018/2019 updated chart please click here The ACT and SAT are both tests for college admissions that use different scoring systems. Below is a chart comparing ACT and SAT scores. This chart will help you decide what test is right for you. If you have...
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5 Questions Students Have After the First SAT
Find answers to the most common questions students ask after their first SAT.
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